To challenge the no-fly-zone imposed by a Western-led coalition, the Libyan Air Force has not launched a newly-acquired fleet of state-of-the-art four Sukhoi Su-30s and 12-15 Su-35s. It has not activated an integrated network of recently-delivered S-300 air defense missiles. And Muammar Gaddafi's loyalist force have not overwhelmed the rebellion with several dozen T-90 main battle tanks.
Sometimes it's worth considering the close-calls of history, and a major arms deal between Russia and Libya in 2008 may be one of them.
Slightly less than three years ago, Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived at Tripoli's only five-star hotel, the Corinthia Baab Afriqiya, to meet with Gaddafi. Putin promptly forgave $4.5 billion of Libya's Soviet-era debt in return for Libya's commitment to buy a $1.8 billion arms package, which included all of the weapon systems listed in the first paragraph above.
For reasons lost (at the moment) to history, the deal apparently was never finalized. The only contract signed by Libya for new military aircraft since Putin's meeting in Tripoli involved six Yakovlev Yak-130 jet trainers, and they're not scheduled for delivery until later this year or next.
Sometimes it's worth considering the close-calls of history, and a major arms deal between Russia and Libya in 2008 may be one of them.
Slightly less than three years ago, Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived at Tripoli's only five-star hotel, the Corinthia Baab Afriqiya, to meet with Gaddafi. Putin promptly forgave $4.5 billion of Libya's Soviet-era debt in return for Libya's commitment to buy a $1.8 billion arms package, which included all of the weapon systems listed in the first paragraph above.
For reasons lost (at the moment) to history, the deal apparently was never finalized. The only contract signed by Libya for new military aircraft since Putin's meeting in Tripoli involved six Yakovlev Yak-130 jet trainers, and they're not scheduled for delivery until later this year or next.
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